The funny thing about the Banana Bridge is that its name doesn’t really make any sense anymore (no, not that name, its official name). You see, it’s really called the Langton Street Bridge, but Langton Street was lost many years ago to WW2 bombings. But that’s far from the only interesting thing about it.
When the Grade II-listed structure was built in 1883, it was only meant to be temporary while the Bedminster Bridge was being rebuilt. A year later, it was shifted upstream, however, where it has remained ever since. Becoming more popularly known as the Banana Bridge (because, well, that should be obvious).
The wrought iron footbridge is beloved by Bristolians for its bright, yellow look and has been sadly missed as it’s remained closed for the past year. Shut for repairs in May 2024, it’s one of eight bridges along the New Cut chosen for urgent repairs—and follows New Brislington Bridge and Gaol Ferry Bridge as now complete.
Today (June 20), Banana Bridge has reopened after £1.4 million in repairs. Looking even more yellow, its structure, masonry, and decking have been repaired, the bridge strengthened and repainted, a new handrail installed, and its surface paving stones re-laid. In what must be a world first, the work was even completed five months ahead of schedule!
Helen Godwin, the new Mayor of the West of England, said: ~”Banana Bridge is looking fantastic, yellow and fixed a whole five months ahead of schedule. It’s much loved and well used by people crossing the New Cut. Like Bristol folk, I’m delighted that it is open again: looking better and brighter than ever!”
There’s still plenty of bridge work to be done in Bristol. Currently, Vauxhall Bridge isn’t expected to open until next year, Sparke Evans Parke Bridge will open later this year, and Bathurst Swing Bridge—which closed in the spring—won’t reopen for up to two years. Both Bath New Bridge and Bedminster Bridge will undergo repairs in the future.
While sad to see so many closures in a city known for its bridges, this long overdue work will keep them servicing the city for a long time into the future. And then they’re finally all open, we can complete the Bridge Walk Challenge at last!